FPR Winton test summary

ADVANCED FORD PERFORMANCE: WINTON TEST
Ford Performance Racing has completed its second 2008 test and registered
100% reliability from its new components as well as posting the two
fastest times at Winton Motor Raceway today.
FPR registered...

ADVANCED FORD PERFORMANCE: WINTON TEST

Ford Performance Racing has completed its second 2008 test and registered
100% reliability from its new components as well as posting the two
fastest times at Winton Motor Raceway today.

The team was testing new engine, chassis and suspension elements as well
as bedding in parts whose manufacture has been brought in-house,
extending FPR's self-reliance. In addition, some of today's
work will be implemented into the new FG race car.

The test was attended by Tasman Motorsport, Garry Rogers Motorsport, Ford
Rising Stars, Rod Nash Racing and Rick Kelly who shook down his new car.

Tim Edwards

Team Principal

"It's been a long break since we've been able to try
new components so it was an extensive testing programme today. Even so,
there was absolutely no down-time from any component failure at all,
which is pretty incredible for so many new parts.

"After such great results, there's potential for some of the
new elements to be introduced later this year, although
everything's out the door for Darwin because we'll be running
a new tyre compound there and won't be introducing anything
new."

Steven Richards

#6 Castrol FPR Falcon

"We were doing a lot of routine things like running new components
and trying new things for the Winton race meeting as much as anything
else. The car felt like it usually does, but the track didn't have
much grip.

"All the things we try on the car are with a view to improving it
in one way or another, whether it's speed, reliability or making it
easier to work on; it all adds to the overall performance. It's
important to keep progressing with development and not rest on your
laurels."

Luke Youlden

FPR Enduro Driver

"I've been fortunate to drive with some pretty good teams in
V8 but they all achieve their times in slightly different ways. The FPR
car is a bit stiffer in the chassis so you have to drive it a bit
smoother, but it's doing the times so I'd have to say
it's one of the better car's I've driven."

Dean Canto

FPR Enduro Driver

"We haven't been told any driver combinations yet but it
doesn't really matter as far as driving style. You just have to
match the full-time driver and, looking at the data, we all drive in a
very similar way. At the end of the day it will be up to the
engineers."